Spectrum Auction: 2G sees demand; Rs 86,000 cr bids so far

MUMBAI: In the largest ever sale of 2G and 3G airwaves, the government saw its kitty rising by Rs 86,000 crore on the fourth day of the auction, with 2G airwaves receiving maximum demand.

According the Department of Telecommunications, 24 rounds of bidding were completed on fourth day of auction.

Media reports said quoting government official:”While there is still demand for the 2G spectrum in the 900 MHz band, some airwaves in the 2G bands of 1800 MHz and 800 MHz (the latter traditionally used for CDMA), apart from the 3G band of 2100 MHz could go unsold.”

There has been aggressive bidding in the 900-MHz band, used for offering voice services. According to new norms, this band can also be used for 3G mobile services.

It is more likely that the government will fetch more than Rs 80,000 crore-Rs 1 lakh crore, which it was expecting from the auctions earlier.

The total spectrum put to auction is 103.75 MHz in 800 MHz band, 177.8 MHz in 900 MHz band and 99.2 MHz in 1,800 MHz band and 5 MHz in 2100 MHz (3G).

The auctions are crucial for Idea Cellular, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance Telecom as their licenses are about to expire in 2015-16.

Among all the companies, Reliance Jio had submitted the highest earnest money deposit.